Don't Forget The Dentist!

The latest research from Oregon Health & Science University's School of Dentistry, just published in the Journal of Endodontics, suggests that you are more likely to suffer with dental problems, especially endodontic ones, if you have had mono or other illnesses connected to the human herpesvirus group.

The researchers looked at the effects of some of the HHV group of viruses on inflammatory diseases of the mouth. They discovered more incidents of irreversible pulpitis and apical periodontitis in people who had the Epstein Barr virus in their system than in people who didn't. This may mean that you are more likely to need root canal work if you have suffered with mono.

What Is Pulpitis?

Pulpitis is when the tooth pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth become inflamed, damaged or injured. If proper dental care is taken, the body is often able to repair itself and no serious dental work may be necessary. However, if the condition becomes irreversible then root canal work or even removal of the diseased tooth or surgery may be necessary.

Dental Hygiene

Proper dental hygiene is therefore essential to prevent decay and damage to your teeth, not to mention your wallet and your smile. If you haven't had a dental check up in a while before you had mono it's a good idea to make an appointment with your local dentist as soon as you feel well enough. At the same time arrange a time slot with the dental hygienist for a refresher in good dental hygiene.

Make sure that you have regular check ups with your dentist and schedule frequent appointments with the hygienist as well. Remind them that you had a bout of mono and that therefore you may be more prone to problems that would require root canal work. Prevention is better than a cure every time, and certainly a lot cheaper so get to the dentist at the first sign of any trouble!

Don't Share Toothbrushes!

To make sure that you don't pass on any infection or gum disease, remember to keep your toothbrush to yourself and change them frequently. Get easily identifiable brushes for the whole family so that no one uses someone else's by mistake. You can also get fold up brushes to keep in your pocket book or desk so that you can keep those pearly whites really sparkling at work or even when you are out and about.

Remember even though you've had mono, if you look after your teeth properly they should last you a lifetime.